Prefabricated Modular Energy Segment Pipe Network Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prefabricated modular segments for tunnel linings suffer from high head losses and reduced heat exchange efficiency, particularly when the direction of interstitial water flow is perpendicular to the tunnel axis.
Innovation Solution
A prefabricated modular energy segment with an innovative arrangement of geothermal probes placed near the outer extrados or inner intrados of the segment, featuring a pipe network with linear portions directed along the main development direction and curvilinear junctions arranged perpendicularly, reducing pipe length and elbow count, thereby minimizing head losses and enhancing heat exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional pipe networks with multiple elbows and curved connections are used in prefabricated modular segments, then the segments can be easily manufactured and assembled, but head losses increase and heat exchange efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature principle by designing the pipe network with smooth curved connections instead of multiple sharp elbows. The pipe network includes curved portions that follow the radial geometry of the segment, reducing flow separation and turbulence. This curved design minimizes head losses while maintaining structural integrity and manufacturability of the prefabricated segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear pipe arrangement to a radial/dimensional configuration where pipes are arranged along the radial direction of the segment. This dimensional change allows the pipe network to better adapt to the circular geometry of tunnel segments, reducing the number of elbows needed and improving heat exchange efficiency by optimizing fluid flow paths across the segment thickness.
2Loss of energy
If pipe networks with many elbows and curved connections are installed in tunnel lining segments, then the segments can accommodate complex routing requirements, but heat exchange efficiency is reduced particularly when water flow is perpendicular to tunnel axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the pipe network specifically near the extrados (outer arc) or intrados (inner arc) of the segment rather than distributing pipes uniformly. This localized arrangement optimizes heat exchange in the regions where thermal gradients are most effective, particularly for perpendicular water flow conditions, while reducing the overall pipe length and number of elbows required.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe network is designed with curved portions that follow the radial geometry of the segment, allowing smooth transitions and reducing flow resistance. This curved configuration maintains routing flexibility needed for adapting to different installation conditions while minimizing head losses and maximizing heat exchange efficiency.
3Temperature
If longer pipe networks with more elbows are used to ensure adequate heat exchange, then heat transfer area increases, but head losses increase and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved pipe design reduces the number of elbows needed to achieve adequate heat exchange, as the smooth curved portions provide continuous thermal contact with the segment while maintaining fluid flow efficiency. This reduces both head losses and system complexity compared to linear arrangements with multiple sharp bends.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging pipes along the radial dimension of the segment and utilizing the thickness direction, the patent achieves adequate heat exchange surface area without requiring excessive pipe length. This dimensional optimization reduces the number of connections and elbows needed, simplifying system operation and reducing head losses.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves a 5-10% increase in heat exchange efficiency and a 20-30% reduction in head losses compared to prior art, with annual savings equivalent to 40-50% more heat production costs for 1 km of activated tunnel, while also reducing inner tunnel overheating and the need for forced ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
a prefabricated modular energy segment... that can be used for lining a tunnel to exchange heat with ground and/or with internal environment of the tunnel itself
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~4C
AI summary
The invention relates to a prefabricated modular energy segment (1) comprising a structural element (2) having a main development direction (20) and at least one pipe network (3) formed of a plurality of linear portions (5), a plurality of curvilinear junctions (7) for connecting two consecutive linear portions, a first (9a) and a second (9b) end, wherein the linear portions (5) of the pipe network (3) are directed in the main development direction (20) of the structural element (2), and the curvilinear junctions (7) are arranged perpendicularly to the main development direction (20) of the structural element (2); moreover the structural element (2) comprises an outer extrados (4) and an inner intrados (6) and the pipe network (3) can be positioned near the outer extrados or the inner intrados (6); in an alternative embodiment the prefabricated modular energy segment (1) comprises two pipe networks (3a, 3b), the first pipe network (3a) being positioned near the outer extrados (4) and the second pipe network (3b) being positioned near the inner intrados (6). The invention relates also to a tunnel lining (10) made with a plurality of such prefabricated modular energy segments (1) radially joined with each other by means of the first end (9a) and the second end (9b) of the pipe network (3, 3a, 3b) of each segment (1). The invention relates also to a method for exchanging heat in a tunnel by making a lining (10) with a plurality of such prefabricated modular energy segments (1).